Share the outcomes of your project

In the context of European projects, awareness-raising is normally referred to as

‘dissemination’. Your dissemination plans will have been developed before the project;

however, new ideas will inevitably arise during implementation.

In fact, many participants like to make ‘dissemination opportunities’ a regular topic in discussions and meetings between partners.

‘

Getting the word out was essential. We spread the word in lessons, at meetings with the teachers and parents, on the school’s website…The same was done on Facebook. Articles were published in the local newspaper, Sõnumitooja…

the information boards at school informed the student body about the tasks, achievements, upcoming activities and competitions.’

Krista Kuusk, Project Coordinator, Estonia

Practical example

A project coordinator shares how he developed and implemented a dissemination strategy

Jean-Pierre Marcadier, a modern languages teacher at a French school, was responsible for coordinating a partnership across eight countries. He developed a valorisation plan to share the outcomes of his project inside and outside his school.

‘

We had a robust strategy to disseminate the project through local associations, museums, and local authorities... In my school’s case, a prominent museum in our city is working alongside us for European exhibitions… Such partnerships with businesses have been vital, given our vocational curriculum.

We also actively targeted various dissemination channels including specialist publications, social networks and the press. Local and regional dissemination is typically facilitated by the press, which is why we have built close relationships with regional newspapers.

One focus of our project was defined through writing activities in a high school newspaper, “The Wall.” In addition, we created a special partnership between our project and a related professional journal where we contributed a monthly column in connection with our educational and European activities.

Our website was used to reach all project members and partners, including parents, businesses, and alumni… Social networks were useful for maintaining relations with parents and alumni.

The strong emphasis on dissemination gave our achievements widespread visibility. Implications in terms of image of the institution,

Erasmus+ A practical guide for school leaders

The following are some popular ways to disseminate Erasmus+ projects:

Radio, TV and newspapers

Local and national media outlets often pick up press releases by EU funded projects, particularly if you can demonstrate the inspiring personal achievements of pupils or teachers. Try to find the ‘human interest’ of your project and be sure to include high-quality photos if you want to secure media coverage. You will find this process becomes easier if you can develop an ongoing relationship with reporters by providing them with a steady stream of high-quality stories.

School events

Give your European projects a platform at events organised or attended by your school, whether it is a teacher conference, school assembly, parents evening or open day. A simple display area or presentation slot for pupils and staff involved in your project is all it takes.

eTwinning

TwinSpace allows you to create websites, blogs, photo galleries, etc. which can be published. Don’t forget to update your project summary, which is visible to anyone browsing or searching for projects on the eTwinning portal.

Websites and social media

Many schools dedicate a section of their website to Erasmus+ projects and post regular updates on social media to publicise outcomes. A multi-author blog is a particularly effective way to diarise participants’ experiences while abroad.

Parents’ networks

You may be surprised to learn how many parents belong to an organisation that can help disseminate the outcomes of your project. Be sure to encourage parents to spread the word at their workplace and through their personal networks.

Stakeholder networks

Local bodies such as libraries, museums, youth organisations and universities may be able to help you access their own dissemination channels.

Your National Agency and eTwinning National Support Service

Find out if the Erasmus+ National Agency in your country or the National Support Service for eTwinning can publicise the outcomes of your project. They may be able to publish an article about you in their forthcoming news bulletin or showcase your project on their website.

‘

Participation enhances the reputation of the school as you have many opportunities to inform the public about ongoing work and the project meetings. In our case, the local media published many articles and video clips,

During Par t 2 : Er asmus+ guide for s cho ols

Erasmus+ A practical guide for school leaders

Obtaining high-quality photos and videos for dissemination

It is important to ask participants involved in Erasmus+ activities to record their experiences to ensure you have high-quality photos and videos to showcase what your school has achieved. Projects are doing this by:

ƒ lending participants cameras so they can document their experiences as a photo or video diary. If loaning equipment is not feasible, you may find that participants are happy to use their own or to take some shots using their mobile phones;

ƒ asking participants to take plenty of ‘work-related’ pictures and videos to ensure you have plenty of evidence of project activities;

ƒ asking participants to think carefully about what they film and for how long.

Hours of film can take a very long time to edit;

ƒ making sure participants are aware of the national and international laws governing copyright, privacy and consent. Signed consent should be obtained from each individual photographed. Do ensure you have parents’

consent before photographing or filming children too. This can be done with a form for parents to sign at the start of your project.

Erasmus+ A practical guide for school leaders

‘Exploitation’ means using the European project to benefit your school and your community, or to improve education or training at local level or even beyond.

The underlying aim of exploitation measures is to ensure that your school’s new knowledge, skills and working methods continue to be adopted and shared long after your project has ended.

For example:

ƒ participants could give feedback to school colleagues on the approaches used by others, in order to instigate new ways of working;

ƒ your school could introduce the methods learned during the activity into teaching or management practice;

ƒ your school could promote the foreign language learning in school and among colleagues, students, family and friends;

ƒ your school could grant further students and colleagues the opportunity to participate in similar activities or future projects;

ƒ your project or activity could be used as a starting point for involvement in other European projects.

Nel documento A practical guide for school leaders (pagine 60-63)